Brad Clark spent the last five years at Tennessee Tech, where he collected 82 receptions and five touchdowns, including a 2021 game-winning catch at Eastern Illinois. (Photo by SIUSalukis.com)
By Barry Bottino
Getting familiar with his new teammates at Southern Illinois took hours on the field and in meeting rooms for Brad Clark.
It also took a few meals.
“I stay with three other transfers,” said Clark, a sixth-year wide receiver who came to SIU from Tennessee Tech. “We go out to eat a lot. Most of them don’t have cars, and I have a car. So, we’d hop in my car and go get some food and talk, get to know each other.”
While adding a few miles on his vehicle, Clark’s relationships with fellow Salukis grew quickly.
“I was telling my family that I’ve never built connections so fast as I’ve done here,” he said.
Catching on
Those new relationships have ramped up Clark’s expectations to be a key part of the offense for the Salukis.
SIU’s passing game is certain to have a new look after the departure of record-setting quarterback Nic Baker, along with losing 56% of its receiving touchdowns and 54% of its catches from a year ago.
Clark led all receivers in last month’s spring game with four receptions while working since January with incoming quarterback D.J. Williams (Murray State) and SIU veterans Michael Lindauer and Hunter Simmons.
Getting to know three quarterbacks this off-season, despite Simmons missing most of the spring season with a hamstring injury, was valuable for Clark.
“That (connection) comes with time,” he said. “As we progress through the summer, we’ll all run routes with each other. We won’t all catch footballs from the same person. The more consistent reps you get with each one, you start to figure each other out.”
On Wednesdays during the spring – the team’s usual off day – Clark and multiple teammates committed themselves to extra repetitions on the field.
New faces at QB
The SIU quarterback competition will stretch into fall practices, with more reps coming throughout the summer.
Clark said all three QBs offer plenty of positives.
“I really like D.J.’s awareness in terms of being able to scramble, get out of the pocket and make plays with his legs,” he said. “He’s also looking downfield at the same time. The throws were very accurate. D.J. has a very strong arm.”
On Lindauer: “He does a really good job of continuing to make plays, even when it doesn’t seem like there are plays to be made,” Clark said. “During the spring game, that was our whole thing. A play would break down and (he would) scramble and make a play. I just followed his lead.”
On Simmons: “I wasn’t able to see him much this spring. When we would throw around, he’s got a really good arm and he’s really smart.”
Instant impact
At age 24, Clark has experience on his side. “When you’re younger, you don’t think you’re going to be playing at 24,” he joked.
That knowledge is where Clark feels he can make an impact.
“I want to impact a game with my leadership and by being a guy you can consistently rely on,” he said. “I’m big on consistency, day in and day out. You’re going to get my best effort. You’ve got to be prepared to go against me. That’s the type of guy I strive to be.”
Clark played in 22 games over the past two seasons, including a 20-17 Tech victory Oct. 19, 2022 at Eastern Illinois, when he caught the game-winning TD pass in the fourth quarter.
Moments like that are part of why he moved from the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference to the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
“I’m excited for the challenge,” he said. “The Missouri Valley is known for its success. I wanted to play in a conference that gets a little more shine.”
Changing faces on D
Two key pieces of the SIU defense last season are no longer part of the program.
Cornerback Mark Davis Jr., who had a team-leading three interceptions last season, announced his entry into the transfer portal April 23. Two days later, he committed to FBS Vanderbilt.
Linebacker Dune Smith, who served as a captain at the spring game, entered the portal April 23. On social media, he said the decision was due to “unfortunate circumstances.” He had 64 tackles and four sacks last season.
Since the departures, SIU has worked the portal for several commitments.
Cornerback Jeremiah McClendon played last season at FBS Florida International and also has spent time at Charleston Southern and Marshall.
Wisconsin native Andrew Behm played in 27 games at linebacker the last three seasons at FBS Akron.
Defensive back Johnny Schmitt, who redshirted at the University of Illinois last season, played at St. Rita High School in Chicago.
Isaiah Bigby, who played in 37 career games at Division II Minot (N.D.) State, has compiled 238 career tackles, 17 passes defended and six interceptions.
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and a 19-year veteran of three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
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